SNACKTIME crushes it opening XPN’s NON-COMMvention

When’s the last time you’ve gotten hype for the sousaphone??? It could’ve been right here at the opening of XPN’s NON-COMM. SNACKTIME, the band that refuses to be defined, filled the PRX stage Tuesday evening with contagious energy and an eclectic mix of R&B, jazz, soul, rock, funk, and punk.

The group kicked off NON-COMM, XPN’s annual music conference “held live in the 215,” as vocalist / alto saxophonist / percussionist Yesseh Furaha-Ali put it, as the band’s high-energy intro flowed right into “I Don’t Give A Damn.” The song, which features the band’s horn section – Eric Sherman (trumpet, guitar), Sam Gellerstein (sousaphone), Michael Spearman (trombone, keyboard), and Ben Stocker (tenor sax) – got funky with it. SNACKTIME danced along with the crowd as they transitioned into “Space Love,” where the horns went hard but the cowbell went harder.

Formed in August 2020, SNACKTIME began performing in Rittenhouse Square during the height of the pandemic and grew from there, playing the Philadelphia Flower Show, Sixers halftimes, and eventually booking back-to-back tours with Portugal. The Man. They released their debut album in 2022, and have since covered the Phillies’ informal anthem “Dancing On My Own” at XPN. More recently, they’ve released “Rage,” a mashup with Portugal. The Man, and dropped a new single in February.

“We’re keeping that music alive, that not-TikTok music alive,” said Gellerstein.

“High Life” transitioned the set into a dreamier space with an R&B/rock-ballad hybrid sound. “I need my heart protected so my soul is free,” Furaha-Ali sang as guitarist Larry Monroe Jr. absolutely rocked out on his solo. Their finale, “Together,” concluded the set with a call-and-response moment and amazing energy.

It’s clear that SNACKTIME has been able to compare the grass on both sides. From playing in the park to touring the US, they’ve held their sound, remaining their own thing with high vibes and unique songs. The group represents the aspects of Philly that natives know and love, and it’s clear that the City of Brotherly Love is always going to be ready to get funky and go stupid with them.

In between opening for Portugal. The Man, SNACKTIME will be playing the Wayne Music Festival on June 8th. Tickets and more details available on XPN’s Concert Calendar.